on Early Sunday, a Cathay Pacific jetliner aborted its takeoff at Hong Kong International Airport, and 11 passengers were injured while evacuating the aircraft, the airline reported.
The airline said in a statement that Flight CX880, bound for Los Angeles, returned to the gate after a "technical issue" caused the crew to cancel takeoff, and to begin a "precautionary evacuation of passengers."
It added that those on board used five escape slides to exit the plane.
Cathay Pacific did not give any details about the problem. Public broadcaster RTHK reported that one of the plane's tires overheated, causing it to explode, citing police.
The flight was carrying 293 passengers and 17 crew members.
“We understand that 11 passengers are being treated at the hospital with injuries sustained during the evacuation process,” Cathay Pacific said. “Our priority is to look after all affected passengers and crew.”
The airline later said that nine injured passengers had been discharged from the hospital by 10:30 a.m.
It mentioned that using a different plane, the flight departed for Los Angeles at 10:12 am with 283 passengers on board.
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